Emperor Xiaozhang had eight sons: Liu Qing, the Filial Prince of Qinghe, son of Song Guiren; Liu Zhao, Emperor He; Liu Shou, the Prince Hui of Jibei, son of Shen Guiren; and Liu Kai, the Prince of Hejian, born to another concubine. The mothers of these four princes are not mentioned in historical records.
Next is Liu Kang, Prince Zheng of Qiancheng, who was enfeoffed as a prince in the fourth year of Jianchu. After Emperor He ascended the throne, he held Liu Kang in high regard as his elder brother, and Liu Kang passed away after fifteen years as a prince. His son, Liu Chong, inherited the title and later changed the name of the country to Le'an in the seventh year of Yongyuan. Liu Chong ruled as king for twenty-eight years and was posthumously honored as the Yi King of Le'an. Both father and son passed away in the capital and were buried in Luoyang.
Liu Hong, the son of Liu Chong, succeeded to the throne and only went to Le'an after Emperor An of Han's death. Liu Hong had a son, Emperor Zhi of Han. After Emperor Zhi ascended the throne, Empress Dowager Liang issued a decree stating that the land of Le'an was low-lying and damp, which generated little tax revenue, so Liu Hong was renamed as the King of Bohai. Liu Hong ruled as the King of Bohai for twenty-six years before passing away and being known as the Filial King of Bohai.
As Liu Hong had no sons, the Empress Dowager appointed Liu Kui, the brother of Emperor Huan of Han, as the King of Bohai to perform ancestral sacrifices for Liu Hong. In the eighth year of Yanxi, Liu Kui was involved in some improper activities, and the relevant authorities requested the removal of his title. The Emperor, out of compassion, demoted him to the King of Luantao, permitting him to enjoy only the income from a single county.
Later, Liu Kui sought the restoration of his title as Prince of Bohai through the Palace Attendant Wang Fu, promising to give Wang Fu fifty million coins as a thank-you gift. Before Emperor Huan of Han died, he issued an edict restoring Liu Kui's title as Prince of Bohai. However, Liu Kui believed that Wang Fu was not deserving of the credit and refused to give him the money. Wang Fu was furious and began secretly searching for evidence against Liu Kui. It turned out that when Emperor Ling of Han was enthroned, rumors spread that Liu Kui harbored resentment for not being made emperor and wanted to incite a rebellion. Palace Attendant Zheng Sa and Yellow Gate Attendant Dong Teng were both opportunists who frequently mingled with Liu Kui. As the supervisor, Wang Fu suspected Liu Kui of treasonous plotting, so he secretly informed the Commandant of Justice Duan Ying. In the first year of Xiping, Zheng Sa was arrested and imprisoned in the Northern Temple. The Minister of Works, Lian Zhong, was manipulated into falsely accusing Zheng Sa and others of plotting to support Liu Kui, committing a grave offense. Therefore, the court dispatched the Inspector of Jizhou to investigate Liu Kui and sent the Grand Marshal with the Emperor's token, along with the Imperial Clan and the Court Justice, to rush to Bohai and interrogate Liu Kui. Liu Kui ultimately took his own life. His eleven concubines, seventy children, and twenty-four entertainers all perished in prison. All officials beneath his Fu Xiang who neglected their duty to support the prince were executed. Liu Kui ruled as Prince of Bohai for twenty-five years before his kingdom was dissolved. The people expressed great sympathy for him. Lastly, there was Prince Liu Quan of Pingchun, who was granted his title in the fourth year of Jianchu and died that same year. He was buried in the capital, had no sons, and his kingdom was also dissolved.
Legend has it that the mother of Prince Xiaowang Liu Qing of Qinghe is Lady Song. This Lady Song is the eighth-generation granddaughter of Song Chang, originally from Pingling in Fufeng. Her father's name is Yang, known for his filial piety in the village, so well-known that he disregarded official positions in the local government. Interestingly, Lady Yang's aunt was actually the maternal grandmother of Empress Ma! When Empress Ma heard that the Yang family had two daughters who were beautiful and talented, she brought them into the palace for nurturing. During the Yongping period, Lady Song was selected to enter the Crown Prince's palace and was deeply favored by the Crown Prince. After Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, she was conferred the title of 'Lady.' During the third year of the Jianchu era, Lady Song successfully gave birth to Liu Qing. The following year, Liu Qing was appointed Crown Prince, and her father Yang was summoned as a court officer, with the Emperor also bestowing many rewards.
Lady Song was particularly skilled in navigating court politics. She was responsible for serving the Empress Dowager in Changle Palace, taking care of every detail herself, even hand-delivering meals, which the Empress Dowager greatly cherished. However, after the Empress Dowager passed away, Empress Dowager Dou gained favor, and her sisters were also favored by the Emperor, making Crown Prince Liu Qing incredibly uneasy. So, he and his mother Lady Song secretly conspired to frame the Song family. Externally, they had their brothers inquire about the faults of the Song family members everywhere; internally, they had palace guards secretly monitor Lady Song's every move. Later, they blocked Lady Song at the Yeting Gate and found a letter from her, which read "sickly thinking of the birthwort, requesting her family to find it." They used this as an excuse to falsely accuse Lady Song of wanting to curse the Emperor using witchcraft, claiming that "birthwort" was a material used to harm people. They incessantly slandered Lady Song before the Emperor, ultimately leading to Lady Song and her son Liu Qing gradually falling out of favor.
Speaking of Emperor Zhang's son, Qing, who was appointed as the Prince of Chenglu, he lived there for a while. Not long after, Empress Dowager Dou incited the Yeting Ling to falsely accuse Qing of his previous misdeeds and demanded a reinvestigation. After seven years, the Emperor finally deposed Crown Prince Qing and appointed Prince Zhao as the new Crown Prince. This Zhao was the son of Lady Liang. The Emperor decreed, "Crown Prince (Qing) has a fickle temperament, which has been evident since childhood. I fear he may inherit his mother's cruel nature and cannot inherit the ancestral temple or take on the role of ruler of the realm. For the greater good, even family must be sacrificed, let alone someone who has been demoted from his title! Now Qing is deposed as the Prince of Qinghe. Prince Zhao serves the Empress, learns etiquette, and his character is increasingly perfect. His future achievements are limitless. Even illegitimate children receive lifelong affection from their mothers, let alone legitimate sons. Isn't this justice clear! Now Zhao is established as the Crown Prince." Then, the Emperor imprisoned Lady Liang and her sisters in the Bing She and sent the eunuch Cai Lun to investigate them. Everyone followed the Empress Dowager's orders and reported the matter with embellishments. In the end, Lady Liang and her sisters were all executed. Both noble ladies committed suicide by poison. Although the Emperor was very sad, he only ordered the Yeting Ling to ensure they were buried in Fan Zhuoju. Afterwards, Yang Gui was dismissed from his position and returned to his hometown. However, local officials arrested him again in connection with this incident. Yang Gui's friends, Zhang Jun from Shanyang and Liu Jun from Fengyi Peiguo, went around advocating for him, ultimately saving him from punishment. Yang Gui fell into a deep depression over this incident and ultimately died at home.
Although Qing was still young, he knew how to avoid drawing suspicion and feared getting into trouble. He didn't dare to mention the Song family (also known as the Dou family) at all. The emperor grew even fonder of him and specially instructed the empress to ensure that Qing's clothes were as fine as the crown prince's. The crown prince especially liked Qing, and they lived together and traveled together. Later, when the crown prince ascended to the throne as Emperor He of Han, he treated Qing exceptionally well. None of the other princes were as close to him, and he often consulted with Qing on private matters. As Qing grew up, he moved to live in the Bing Pavilion, a residence within the palace. In the fourth year of Yongyuan, the emperor moved to live in the Zhande Hall in the Northern Palace, where he taught at Baihu Guan. Qing was able to serve the emperor in the palace and live there. The emperor wanted to eliminate the Dou family and needed the historical text "Biographies of the Imperial Consorts" to achieve this. However, he was worried that those around him would not dare to retrieve it. Therefore, he secretly instructed Qing to ask the Prince of Qiancheng for it. Qing made the journey alone to bring the book into the palace at night. The emperor also instructed Qing to inform Palace Attendant Zheng Zhong to collect relevant historical materials. After General Dou Xian was executed, Qing moved out of the palace and into his own residence. The emperor rewarded him with three hundred slaves, as well as a substantial number of chariots, horses, money, treasures, and other valuables, which filled his residence to the brim. He also rewarded Qing's teachers and attendants with varying amounts of money.
Uncle Qing had fallen ill and often felt unwell. The Emperor sent people to inquire about his health every day and personally delivered food and medicine, which showed just how thoughtful the Emperor was in his care for him. Uncle Qing was a cautious and filial person. Since his demotion, he became even more careful, strictly adhering to the rules. Every time he went to worship at the ancestral tomb, he would get dressed neatly and wait for dawn in the dead of night. He also specifically instructed officials and subordinates not to race against the carriages and horses of the princes. He always felt that the funeral arrangements for the nobility were inadequate, and he would secretly worship at home on major holidays. It was only after Lady Dou was executed that he permitted the wet nurse to worship from a distance in the northern part of the city. When Empress Dowager Dou passed away, Uncle Qing requested permission to pay his respects at her tomb. The Emperor agreed and ordered the Imperial Household Department to supply sacrificial items year-round. Uncle Qing cried and said, "I couldn't fulfill my filial duties while she was alive, but now I can finally make offerings. My wish is fulfilled." He wanted to build a shrine but feared being accused of imitating the late Empress Dowager Gong Huai, so he dared not mention it. He often tearfully expressed to those around him that this was his greatest regret in life. Later, he reported that his grandmother, Lady Wang, was elderly and ill, and that traditional remedies had proven ineffective. He requested permission for her to seek treatment in Luoyang. The Emperor then ordered the entire Song clan to return to the capital and promoted Uncle Qing's uncles Yan, Jun, Gai, Xian, and others to official ranks.
At the fifteenth year, when the officials saw a serious solar eclipse, they requested that the princes return to their fiefs to govern. The emperor said, "The responsibility for this unusual phenomenon occurring in the Jiazi year rests solely with me. The princes are still young, leaving their parents at an early age, having to live on their own at such a young age, which reflects the sadness expressed in 'Liao'e' and 'Kaifeng'. I realize that this is not in line with our national system, but I believe they should remain for now." In winter, the emperor went to Zhangling to perform sacrifices and ordered that each prince be lent forty imperial guards. Later, Uncle Qing’s superior, Wei, embezzled millions. The emperor sent someone to investigate and handle the matter, while also holding Uncle Qing accountable for failing to report it. Uncle Qing said, "Wei was personally selected and appointed by the emperor as his master. I am not very perceptive and simply followed his orders without scrutinizing his actions." The emperor appreciated his response and rewarded Uncle Qing with all the money Wei had embezzled. When the emperor passed away, Uncle Qing wept in front of the palace, spit up several liters of blood, and subsequently fell ill.
Next year, the princes will return to their fiefdoms and govern their own territories. Empress Dowager Deng specially allowed Prince Qinghe to appoint a lieutenant and a chief minister, and the rewards were all chosen from the emperor's personal belongings. She also appointed Song Yan and others as Prince Qinghe's senior officials. After Prince Qinghe, Liu Qing, returned to his fiefdom, he issued an order: "I was born in the inner palace and raised in the court, always relying on a wise ruler and enjoying the benefits brought by the peaceful and prosperous era. However, due to limited favor, I left the court prematurely and encountered the great sorrow of national mourning, feeling extremely sad and sorrowful. Now that I have received the imperial favor and been appointed as a prince, the responsibility is great, and I must assist the country. Having just left the capital, I feel very uneasy and worry day and night, unsure of how to govern effectively. I have learned that governing a country requires not just wisdom, but also capable individuals to support me. Now my subordinates hold important positions, with a clear system of rewards and punishments. I expect everyone to adhere to the laws and avoid errors. You must take your responsibilities seriously and uphold the law rigorously, and not let me be punished because of your negligence." Empress Dowager Deng, considering the young age of the late emperor and thinking of the future, allowed Liu You, the eldest son of Prince Qinghe, and his birth mother Geng Ji to stay at Prince Qinghe's residence. In the autumn, the late emperor passed away, and Liu You was established as the heir, becoming Emperor An of Han. Empress Dowager Deng sent a court eunuch to escort Geng Ji back to her hometown.
The birth mother of Emperor An was named Zuo Ji, nicknamed Xiao E. Her older sister was named Da E; both were from Jianwei (now Leshan City, Sichuan Province). Their uncle was executed due to false accusations, and his property was confiscated, leading to the two sisters being sent to the palace when they were young. As they grew up, both sisters were beautiful and talented. Xiao E excelled in "Records of the Grand Historian" and enjoyed writing literature. When Emperor He distributed palace maids to various princes, Xiao E was assigned to the household of the Prince of Qinghe. Initially, Liu Qing heard she was beautiful and bribed her mother generously to win her favor. Later, Liu Qing's affection for Xiao E reached an unmatched intensity, far surpassing that of any other concubines. Eventually, both sisters passed away and were laid to rest in the capital.
Qing Li lived for twenty-five years before returning to his country. That year he fell seriously ill and said to Song Yan and others, "Qinghe is low-lying and very damp; I wish to be buried next to the tomb of the noble after I die. The court has been very gracious to me; I hope in the future there will be a shrine where my family and I can be worshipped together, giving my soul a place to rest, so that I may depart without regret." He then wrote to the Empress Dowager, "This land is too damp; I wish to be buried next to the noble's tomb after I die, so that even in death, I may be preserved. My life hangs by a thread; I humbly request your permission." Not long after, he passed away at twenty-nine.
The court sent the Minister of Works, along with a ceremonial staff and the Minister of Rites, to offer their condolences; they also sent two officials to help with the funeral arrangements. Additionally, they granted a dragon flag, one hundred soldiers of the Tiger Guard, and a funeral procession as grand as that of the Prince of Donghai. The Empress Dowager also sent the Chief of the Palace to deliver the coffins of Qing Li's concubines to be buried alongside Qing Li at Guangqiu.
His son, Prince Min Huwei, inherited the throne. In the first year of the Yongchu era, the Empress Dowager granted the title of Marquis of Shengxiang to Song Yan, divided the state of Qinghe into two parts, and appointed Qingli's younger son Changbao as the King of Guangchuan. All eleven sons and daughters of Qingli were granted titles as village princesses, each of whom received a fief and salary. The following year, Changbao died without leaving a son, resulting in the abolition of Guangchuan.
Three years after Huwei ascended to the throne, he too passed away without a son. The Empress Dowager subsequently appointed Yanping, the favored son of Prince Le'an, as the King of Qinghe, who would later be known as Duke Gong.
The Empress Dowager has passed away, and the relevant authorities reported: "The filial and virtuous King of Qinghe has cultivated an enlightened and virtuous ruler, inherited the mandate of heaven, protected the state, and should be honored at the ancestral temple. Since the establishment of the Han Dynasty, the Emperor Gaozu honored his father as the Retired Emperor, and Emperor Xuan honored his father as the Imperial Ancestor, in accordance with ancestral customs, establishing tombs and memorials. This is a major ritual, and the rules of the past should not be forgotten. The King of Qinghe should be posthumously honored with the title of Filial Emperor, his mother Lady Zuo should be posthumously honored as the Filial Empress, and the Filial Emperor's mother, Lady Song, should be posthumously honored as the Respectful Concubine." Therefore, a ceremony was held at the ancestral temple, where the Minister of Works held the ceremonial staff, and the Grand Herald brought the imperial edict, seal, and ribbons to Qinghe to confer the titles; the Palace Attendant carried out the sacrificial rites, and the imperial relatives and marquises attended the ceremony. The tomb of the Filial Emperor was named Ganling, and the temple was named Zhaomiao, with officials and guards assigned, adhering to the same standards as the imperial tombs. The land of Guangchuan Commandery was also added to the Qinghe Kingdom. Lady Geng was posthumously honored as the Grand Concubine of Ganling. The sons of the Filial Emperor's sisters were posthumously granted titles as Princess Neiyang, Princess Wuyin, Princess Puyang, and Princess Pingshi. The other seven princesses had passed away early, so they were not able to be ennobled; the younger sister of the Respectful Concubine was posthumously titled as Marquis Mu of Dangyang. The four sons of Song Yang were conferred marquis titles, each with a fief of five thousand households. More than ten members of the Song family held positions in the court as ministers, captains, Palace Attendants, officials, courtiers, and attendants. The younger brother of the Filial Empress, his son, and her nine sons were all appointed as officials in Qinghe. Lady Geng was the granddaughter of Marquis Mouping Shu. Her brother Bao inherited the title of Marquis Mouping. The Emperor held great favor for Bao since he was his maternal uncle, and he rose to the rank of Grand General. These events are documented in the "Biography of Geng Shu."
King Yanping of Yan died after reigning for 35 years, and his son Suan inherited the throne. After the death of Emperor Chong of Han, the court summoned Suan to the capital to discuss his succession to the throne. However, General Liang Ji and Empress Dowager Liang Ji declared Emperor Zhi as the new emperor, and Suan was sent back to his homeland. Suan was a solemn and dignified individual, and his behavior was very proper. The court ministers and dignitaries, including Li Gu, held him in high regard. Initially, when the eunuch Cao Teng visited, Suan did not show him the proper respect, causing the eunuchs to harbor resentment towards him. When Emperor Zhi of Han died, the court ministers believed Suan was the rightful choice for emperor. However, Cao Teng advised Liang Ji not to support Suan, but Liang Ji did not listen, and Emperor Huan was eventually enthroned. This incident is documented in the biography of Li Gu. Suan offended the powerful because of this.
In the first year of Jianhe, Liu Wen, a man from Ganling, conspired with the rebel Liu Wei from Nanjun, spreading rumors that Prince Qinghe was scheming to seize the throne, hoping to support him. When the plot was discovered, Liu Wen and his accomplices kidnapped the Prime Minister of Qinghe, Xie Hao, intending to take him to the palace gate, declaring, "We want to make Prince Qinghe emperor, and you, Xie Hao, will serve as prime minister!" Xie Hao refused and cursed them, and in a fit of rage, Liu Wen killed him. Later, Liu Wen and Liu Wei were both captured and executed. Consequently, Prince Qinghe faced accusations, was demoted to the rank of Marquis of Weishi, exiled to Guiyang, and ultimately took his own life. Three years later, the state of Qinghe ultimately fell.
Liang Ji hated the name "Qinghe" and changed it to Ganling the next year. Empress Liang appointed Prince Jinghou Li as King of Ganling to honor Emperor Xiaode, who was posthumously known as King Weiwang of Ganling. King Li ruled for 25 years until his death, and his son, King Ding, succeeded to the throne. King Ding ruled for four years before his death, and his son, King Zhong, succeeded him. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, King Zhong was captured by the local populace but was later released. Emperor Ling, being a relative, ordered the restoration of his throne. King Zhong ruled for thirteen years before his death, and his successor was killed by the Yellow Turban Army. In the eleventh year of Jian'an, as Ganling had no descendants, the kingdom was ultimately dissolved.
King Shou of Jibei, whose mother was Lady Shen from Yingchuan, came from a family of high-ranking officials, each holding the title of two thousand stones for generations. Lady Shen entered the palace at the age of thirteen. King Shou was granted the title of king in the second year of Yongyuan and given Taishan County to establish his country. Following the example of Emperor Suzong, King Shou kept his brothers in the capital and showed them great favor. The ministers suggested sending the princes back to their fiefs, but the emperor couldn't bring himself to do it. After the emperor's death, the princes returned to their lands. In the first year of Yongchu, Empress Dowager Deng appointed Shen Zhuan, who was King Shou's uncle, as the Marquis of Xinting. King Shou ruled for thirty-one years before his death. Since the first year of Yongchu, the border regions had been frequently rebelling, putting a strain on state finances. Therefore, after the death of a newly appointed king, the monetary reward was reduced to one million and the cloth allocation to ten thousand pieces, while for a king succeeding to the throne, it was reduced to five hundred thousand and five thousand pieces. At that time, King Shou had the closest relationship with the emperor, so after his death, he was awarded a notably large sum of three million and thirty thousand pieces of cloth.
His son, King Jiewang Deng, inherited the throne. In the first year of Yongning, Deng's five younger brothers were named marquises of Xiang in Taishan Commandery. King Jiewang Deng ruled for fifteen years before his death, and his son, Ai Wang Duo, succeeded to the throne. Ai Wang Duo ruled for three years before his death, leaving no sons. In the fourth year of Yonghe, Marquis Zhan Xianghou Anguo was appointed as the King of Jibei; this is King Li of Jibei. King Anguo passed away after ruling for seven years, and his son, Ci, known as King Xiaowang, succeeded to the throne. In the first year of Benchu, his brother Meng was appointed as Viscount Tinghou. Ci was only nine years old when he lost his father, but he was very filial. In the first year of Jianhe, Queen Liang issued a decree stating, "King Ci, though young, is very filial," and we are increasing his fief by five thousand households to honor his filial deeds. King Ci passed away after ruling for seventeen years, and his son, Luan, succeeded to the throne. After Luan's death, his son, Zheng, succeeded to the throne. Zheng passed away without sons, and in the eleventh year of Jian'an, the Kingdom of Jibei was dissolved.
King Xiaowang Kai of Hejian was appointed as a king in the second year of Yongyuan, with the three commanderies of Lecheng, Bohai, and Zhuo designated as his fief. In the first year of Yanping, he went to his fief to assume his duties. King Kai was known for his strict adherence to laws, and his officials held him in high regard. In the first year of Yongning, Queen Deng appointed Kai's son, Yi, as the King of Pingyuan, to honor Huaiwang Sheng; and his son, De, as the King of Anping, to honor the party of the King of Lecheng.
After forty-two years of reign, King Xiaowen of Hejian passed away, and his son King Hui ascended to the throne. King Hui was arrogant and disregarded the laws. Emperor Shun of Han heard that the Attendant Shen Jing from Wu County was very capable, so he promoted him to be the Chancellor of Hejian. Shen Jing went to Hejian to pay respects to King Hui, who sat casually in the hall without formal attire. As the attendants bowed, Shen Jing stood still and did not reciprocate. Shen Jing asked the guards where the king was, and the Tiger Guard replied, "He is the king!" Shen Jing said, "If the king does not wear formal attire, how is he any different from an ordinary person? I have come to pay my respects to the king, not to someone lacking in manners." King Hui felt ashamed, changed into formal attire, and then bowed back. Shen Jing left the palace and asked King Hui's teacher to reprimand him, saying, "When I departed the capital, the Emperor instructed me to inspect and admonish due to the king's disrespect. You teachers are receiving salaries without fulfilling your responsibilities." Shen Jing then submitted a memorial accusing King Hui and demanding punishment for his teacher. Shen Jing took the opportunity to arrest corrupt officials, expose their crimes, and execute dozens of the most heinous offenders, as well as overturn more than a hundred wrongful convictions. From that point on, King Hui repented and reformed. In the first year of the Yangji era, King Hui's thirteen younger brothers were all granted the title of Viscount.
After ten years on the throne, King Zhen passed away, and his son King Jian ascended to the throne. After ten years on the throne, King Jian passed away, and his son King Li ascended to the throne. King Li ruled for twenty-eight years before his death, and his son Gai succeeded him. Gai ruled for forty-one years, and when Wei usurped the throne, he was granted the title of Marquis of Chongde.
In the sixth year of the Yuan Chu era, Empress Dowager Deng summoned the sons of the Prince of Jibei and Prince of Hejian to the capital. Impressed by the appearance of Yi, she appointed him as the consort of the Princess of Pingyuan. Yi stayed in the capital. Over a year later, Empress Dowager Deng passed away. The nurse of Emperor An, Wang Sheng, and the eunuch Jiang Jing, falsely accused Deng Zhi and his brothers along with Yi of plotting against the throne and coveting the imperial throne. They were demoted to the title of Marquis of Duxiang and sent back to Hejian. Yi then bid farewell to his guests and secluded himself at home.
In the fifth year of the Yongjian era, Yi's father petitioned to have Liwu County divided to enfeoff Yi, which Emperor Shun approved. After Yi's death, his son Zhi succeeded him and was supported by Liang Ji, the Grand General, becoming Emperor Huan. Empress Dowager Liang posthumously bestowed honors upon the Prince of Hejian as Emperor Xiaomu, his wife Zhao as Empress Xiaomu, their temple as Qing Temple, and their tomb as Yuecheng Tomb. The former Marquis of Liwu was honored as Emperor Xiaochong, his temple as Lie Temple, and his tomb as Boling Tomb. Officials were appointed to oversee the management of these sites, with the Minister of State holding the authority to issue edicts and manage ceremonies, offerings, and sacrifices.
(In the fifth year of Yongjian, Yì's father petitioned to have a portion of Lí Wú County set aside for Yì, which Emperor Shun approved. After Yì's death, his son Zhì took over with the backing of Grand General Liang Ji, becoming Emperor Huan of Han. Empress Dowager Liang issued an edict honoring King Xiaowen of Hejian posthumously as Emperor Xiaomu, his wife Zhao as Empress Xiaomu, with the temple name Qing and the tomb name Yuecheng; posthumously honoring the former Marquis of Lí Wú as Emperor Xiaochong, with the temple name Lie and the tomb name Boling. County magistrates and officials were appointed, the Minister of Works held the ceremonial staff, presented the scrolls and seals, and offered sacrifices with a grand ceremony.)
(In the second year of Jianhe, the Emperor's brother, Duke of Duxiang, Shuo, was further appointed as King of Pingyuan, residing in Boling, serving Yì's widow. Yì's wife, Lady Ma, was honored as the Honorable Lady of Xiaochong Boyuan, with the three counties of Liangxiang, Gu'an in Zhuojun, and Lí Wú in Hejian designated as the Tangmu Township (tax-exempt area). Shuo loved to drink and often made mistakes, so the Emperor assigned Lady Ma to manage the affairs of the royal family. In the eleventh year of Jian'an, the kingdom of Pingyuan was disbanded.)
Hou Shu was posthumously honored as the Prince of Xiaowang of Hejian and later died. His son Chang inherited the title, and after Chang's death, his son Hong inherited the title and was proclaimed Emperor by the Grand General Dou Wu, becoming Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty. In the first year of the Jianning era, Empress Dowager Dou issued an edict to also posthumously honor Hou Shu as Emperor Xiaoyuan, his wife Xia Shi as Empress Xiaoyuan, their tomb was named Dunling, and their temple was named Jing Temple; also posthumously honoring his father as Emperor Xiaoren, mother Dong Shi as Lady Shenyuan, their tomb was named Shenling, and their temple was named Huan Temple. The court appointed various officials, sending the Minister of Rites to Hejian to welcome the edict and imperial seal, performing sacrifices with the standards of a governor, and sending eunuchs to Hejian to carry out annual sacrifices as scheduled.
In the third year of Jianning, the court sent envoys to appoint Prince An of Hejian, Li Zikang, as the King of Jinan, in charge of sacrificing to Emperor Xiaoren. After Kang's death, his son Yun inherited the title and was killed by the Yellow Turbans in the twelfth year of Jian'an. His son Kai inherited the title and served as the King of Jinan for thirteen years, then was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Chongde after the Wei Dynasty surrendered.
Prince Huai of Chengyang, Shu, was granted a fief that was separated from Jiyin County in the second year of Yongyuan. He passed away after five years as a prince, buried in the capital, without sons; his fief was revoked, with the territory incorporated into Jiyin County. Prince Shang of Guangzong, Wansui, was granted a fief that was separated from Julu County in the fifth year of Yongyuan. He passed away the same year, buried in the capital, without sons; his fief was revoked, with the territory incorporated into Julu County.
Pingyuan Huaiwang Sheng, the eldest son of Emperor He of the Han Dynasty, remains unrecorded in terms of his mother's name. He had a chronic illness from a young age and was granted the title of prince in the first year of Yanping. After serving as prince for eight years, he passed away and was interred in the capital without any heirs. Empress Dowager Deng appointed the son of Le An Yi Wang, Chong, as the heir to Pingyuan Wang, continuing the ancestral sacrifices to Pingyuan Huaiwang Sheng, who is referred to as Pingyuan Ai Wang. Pingyuan Ai Wang passed away after six years as prince, also without any heirs. In the first year of Yongning, Empress Dowager Deng appointed Duke Yixi, the son of Hejian Wang Kai, as the heir to Pingyuan Wang. After Emperor An took the throne, he stripped Duke Yixi of his princely title and revoked his title.
The book says: According to legend, Wu Qi, the son of King Helu of Wu, was known for his great virtue and foresight. The survival of the Wu state can be attributed to his descendants. Emperor Zhang of the Han Dynasty was kind and benevolent; he inherited the sacrificial rites of the Han Dynasty, which were continued by his descendants. The ancients' words ring true!
Praise:
Emperor Zhang's imperial lineage remains unbroken, and his clan and descendants are all blessed. Among his notable descendants is Emperor An, who was also a wise ruler. The Hejian royal family is fortunate, with Emperors Huan and Ling upholding the ancestral rites. The Jibei royal family remains humble and enjoys the emperor's favor. The Pingyuan royal family is afflicted by a chronic illness, with three generations of princes dying in office. Among their descendants, some are exceptional while others are mediocre.
